The Fiat 1100: A Canvas for Creativity
The Fiat 1100 stands as an enduring symbol of Italian automotive excellence, embodying a legacy of innovation and versatility that has captivated generations of enthusiasts.
The Volvo Tundra vs Citroën BX
In December 1975, Citroën embarked on a mission to redefine automotive design with the replacement program for the GS, known as XA. This set the stage for the birth of the iconic Citroën BX—a journey marked by collaboration, creativity, and visionary thinking. Join us as we delve into the story behind the BX, tracing its evolution from concept to reality and exploring the pivotal role played by visionaries like Marcello Gandini and Xavier Karcher in shaping its legacy.
Fiat’s Collaboration with Italian Coachbuilders at the Dawn of the 20th Century
Italy witnessed the emergence of a wide variety of automotive companies, especially between Turin and Milan, at the beginning of the last century. However, over the following decades, these companies gradually disappeared, culminating in recent years with all surviving brands converging under a single entity: Fiat. This phenomenon has seldom been compared to another, equally significant but fundamentally different occurrence, namely the proliferation of automotive coachbuilders. Unlike the automotive companies, the coachbuilders did not experience a similar disappearance, but rather a gradual consolidation, with some even transforming their operations into robust industrial entities.
Unveiling the Storied Legacy of Stabilimenti Farina
In the late 1800s, the Farina family, hailing from Cortanze d’Asti, embarked on a journey that would reshape the automotive landscape in Turin. Their story is one of passion, innovation, and resilience—a narrative that laid the foundation for the renowned Società Anonima Stabilimenti Industriali Giovanni Farina.
The Chrysler Turbine Car: Turbocharged Legacy
The Chrysler Turbine Car: A symbol of automotive innovation, from its groundbreaking experiments to the challenges of emission testing. This is the captivating story of a vehicle that pushed boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on the quest for cleaner and more efficient engines.
The Lamborghini P140 Project
As Lamborghini approached the twilight of the 1980s, it faced the daunting task of succeeding the iconic Jalpa. The result was the internal project P140, a venture that transcended the mere replacement of a model; it was an ambitious exploration of design, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of the unmistakable Lamborghini spirit.
Carrozzeria Castagna Milano: A Timeless Legacy
Established in 1849, Carrozzeria Castagna Milano is an iconic name in Italian automotive history. From carriages to luxury automobiles, the company’s journey under Carlo Castagna’s leadership defined an era. Post-war challenges led to closure in 1954, but a 1990s revival, spearheaded by Uberto Petra and Gioacchino Acampora, brought the brand back to life. Today, Castagna continues its legacy with unique creations and collaborations, ensuring a lasting impact in the world of automotive craftsmanship.
The Genesis of the Daewoo Matiz: From Fiat’s Concept to Icon
In the annals of recent automotive history, the genesis of iconic cars often involves a blend of visionary design, technological innovation, and corporate foresight. The story of the Daewoo Matiz is no exception, tracing its roots back to the fertile grounds of Italian design and South Korean ambition.
The Lancia B20 design story
At the Turin Motor Show in 1951, Lancia displayed to the public for the first time the B20, a stunning high-performance coupe with attractive “clean” lines.
The Italian Jaguars: Stylish Symphony of Elegance and Innovation
Italian coachbuilders, renowned for their craftsmanship and design prowess, have left an indelible mark on the automotive world. The marriage of British engineering excellence with Italian design flair has resulted in some of the most striking and unique Jaguars to date. From the golden age of the XK series to the iconic E-Type and beyond, these coachbuilt creations showcase the collaborative brilliance of two automotive cultures.
This is how Michelotti influenced American fashion trends: The Lilly Ann Ferrari
In the 1950s, Luigi Chinetti, official Ferrari importer for the United Stars, tasked Michelotti with designing a one-off Ferrari 250 MM, later bodied by Vignale, commissioned from him by the owner of the “Lilly Ann Corporation,” a large U.S. chain of women’s fashion stores.
The Lancia Augusta Fuoriserie
At the 1934 Milan Motor Show a new chassis for the Augusta was presented. The 234 type specially conceived for coachbuilders retained the previous mechanical characteristics but with some novelties.